James I

The idea that a monarch's power came directly from God so a monarch could rule as he or she wished and must be obeyed. James was a strong believer in the divine right of kings. This brought him in conflict with parliament.

He was quite undignified and unattractive - large tongue, weak legs and was slightly overweight. He was timid; afraid of crowds and paranoid. He wore full and stuffed breeches so they were bulletproof - brought in many unpopular Scottish courtiers.